Could left-hander Jeff Francis return to the Rockies?

Various media outlets are reporting that the Rockies are pursuing former staff ace Jeff Francis.

General manager Dan O’Dowd said this afternoon that he couldn’t confirm the Rockies’ interest, but that doesn’t mean the club isn’t pursuing the left-hander.

Francis, 31, has been pitching for the Reds’ Triple-A team in Louisville, going 3-6 with a 3.72 ERA over 12 starts. Francis — who won 17 games in 2007 when the Rockies made it to the World Series — had 65 strikeouts vs. just 18 walks for Louisville.

As of June 1, Francis was able to opt-out of his contract. After throwing a complete-game shutout on Sunday, he asked for his release, according to ESPN.com reporter Jerry Crasnick.

The tail end of Francis’ career in Colorado was hampered by a shoulder issues. He missed the entire 2009 season. In 2010, he was 4-6 with a 5.00 ERA in 20 games. When the Rockies declined to pick up Francis’ option, he signed with Kansas City, going 6-16 with a 4.82 ERA in 31 starts for the Royals last season.